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The Last Alarm |
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Fire Chief Don Gilroy |
On Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Chief Don Gilroy, 83 passed away. Chief Gilroy was born in Ballston Spa, New York
where he started his fire service career.
He came to Brevard County in 1958 where he began his career with Pan American Services as a Safety Supervisor then went on to
become a Technical Writer and Long Range planner. Also in 1958 he joined the Merritt Island Volunteer Fire Department and
later served as the Fire Chief of District Two Fire Control and Merritt Island Volunteer Fire Department.
Chief Gilroy was instrumental in having four stations built on Merritt Island to serve a population of 50,000 citizens.
He coordinated the purchase of 16 new light weight MSA Self contained breathing apparatus; the fiberglass wrapped air bottles
were significantly lighter than steel bottles used at the time. Chief Gilroy knew the value of a Fire Prevention Bureau and
was instrumental in the development of the Bureau with a Fire Marshal, Inspectors, and Construction Planner positions that
oversaw the construction and annual inspections of commercial buildings on Merritt Island.
In 1978, while attending the annual National Fire Chiefs Association Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, he met with a
representative of Mandoval Ltd. Mandoval a British company specializing in fire endurance coating and was preparing to
market its products in the United States. Understanding the value of realistic training to firefighters, Chief Gilroy
proposed to Mandoval that he build a burn house and they spray their fire proofing product inside the building at no charge
in return for advertising purposes. A 1688 square foot building was constructed at 300 Alma Blvd. - Fire Station 41 - for
$45, 000.00. This building was used to provide simulated house fire conditions for hands on firefighting skills training.
Brevard County District Two Fire Control and Brevard Community College joined together to provide minimum Fire Standards
training to individual who wanted to be State of Florida certified firefighters.
By August of 1981 more than 500 training fires had been set in the burn building with twenty-five minimum standards classes
presented and approximately 630 students becoming State of Florida certified firefighters. Many firefighters agree that
Chief Gilroy provided a positive influence to them in their career in the fire service and remember fondly the encouragement
he bestowed. |
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Firefighter Bill Smith
Brevard County Fire Rescue is sad to announce the passing of Firefighter/EMT William “Billy” Smith after nearly two decades of service. Billy, 45, passed away on August 23, 2007 doing one of the things he enjoyed most, riding his motorcycle. He was returning from visiting the most important person in his life, his mother. He was the doting son that every mother wished for and the brother that would make any sibling proud. Billy will always be remembered for his love of life, family, friends and the department. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeler and motorcycle riding. He is survived by his mother, Cleora; a brother, John; a sister, Kathy; step-brothers Scott and Buddy; step-sister Robin; 5 nieces and nephews and many other family members and friends. |
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Lieutenant James Krause
James Krause, 43, a firefighter, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2005,
at his home in Cocoa. Jim was a Lieutenant for Brevard County Fire
Rescue for 15 years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Susan, and two
adored sons, James and Joseph. Gone, but not forgotten, we will
miss Jim. He was a caring son, a supportive brother, a loving
husband, a doting father, and devoted friend. Throughout his life,
he provided strength and love to his family and friends.
His dedication as a firefighter and the services he provided
to the community could not be measured. |
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District Chief Wayne Broome
On December 10, 2004, Brevard County Fire Rescue was sad to
announce the passing of retired District Chief Wayne Broome. J. Wayne Broome, Sr.,
passed away December 10, 2004, at Parrish Medical Center, Titusville.
Mr. Broome retired from the Brevard County Fire Department after
35 years of service as a Battalion Chief. Chief Broome was one of the
first paid firefighters in Brevard County after serving 3 years as a
volunteer in Mims. He is survived by his wife, Gladys Broome;
four sons, Jerry (Lori) Broome of Port St. John, Tony Broome of Titusville,
Tim Broome of Melbourne and Todd (Marianne) Broome of Titusville;
six grandchildren, David, Theresa, Robin, Courtney, Austin and Mark;
and two brothers, Bill and Don Broome both of Georgia. |
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District Chief Mike Baker
Brevard County Fire Rescue is sad to announce the passing of District Chief Mike Baker.
On December 11, 2002, Chief Baker died at home. Chief Baker had been with Brevard County
Fire Rescue since August 1974. He had worked his way through the ranks as a firefighter,
Lieutenant/Paramedic, Captain, and District Chief. District Chief Baker served as the
"C" Shift Supervisor for North Brevard County. Chief Baker is survived by
his Mother, Brother, Sister and three daughters. |
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Assistant Chief Tim Mills
On September 4, 2002, Brevard County Fire Rescue was sad to announce the passing of
Assistant Chief Tim Mills. Chief Mills had been with Brevard County Fire Rescue
since December 1977. He had worked his way through the ranks as a firefighter,
Lieutenant, District Chief, and Assistant Chief. Assistant Chief Mills served as
Chief of Operations for Brevard County Fire Rescue. Chief Mills is survived by his
Mother, Brother, Sister, and 5 children. |
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Chief J. C. Johnson
Captain Jack Houts
Firemedic Roland Fender
Firemedic Robert Shaffer
Firefighter Joseph Grubelic
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Firemen's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save
some life, whatever be it's age.
Help me embrace a little
child before it is too late,
or save an old person
from, the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
and hear the weakest shout,
to quickly and efficiently,
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and to give the best in me,
to guard my every neighbor,
and protect his property.
And if according to my fate,
I am to loose my life,
please bless with your protecting
hand, my family and their lives.
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